Aaron Holt was quoted in a Bloomberg Law article discussing the expansion of state paid family and medical leave laws in response to evolving family structures and caregiving needs. Recent updates in Connecticut and Washington broaden paid leave to include more family relationships, with Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska set to introduce similar laws later this year.

This shift reflects broader societal changes, with employers increasingly recognizing that caregiving needs extend beyond traditional family definitions. As more states adopt these policies, federal guidance and legal cases, including those addressing the "in loco parentis" doctrine, are helping clarify caregiving relationships. Aaron noted, “It’s going to be something other courts can look at for guidance when interpreting a unique set of facts in similar cases. You’re going to see employers and courts focusing on whether there was an intention to form a family relationship.” Employers are encouraged to review caregiving relationships, update leave policies, and stay informed about nontraditional family dynamics to stay aligned with changing legal standards.

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